Secrets of the Job Hunt

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

The number of sales jobs Phoenix (Click here) has to offer could soon decline after a popular satellite television company takes over a struggling video rental service.

DISH Network Corporation recently announced that it has completed the acquisition of Blockbuster, Inc. for about $228 million. Blockbuster currently operates more than 1,700 stores throughout America, including several in the Phoenix area, and one that supports Gilbert jobs (Click here).

DISH is the second-largest satellite television service in America, behind only DirecTV. The company hopes it can use Blockbuster's resources and name-brand recognition to build on its current and future offerings for customers.

"With its more than 1,700 store locations, a highly recognizable brand and multiple methods of delivery, Blockbuster will complement our existing video offerings while presenting cross-marketing and service extension opportunities for DISH Network," Tom Cullen, executive vice president of sales, marketing and programming for DISH Network, said in a press release. "While Blockbuster's business faces significant challenges, we look forward to working with its employees to re-establish Blockbuster's brand as a leader in video entertainment."

According to an article by the Phoenix Business Journal, DISH Network plans to keep at least 500 Blockbuster stores in operation, while the remaining stores will most likely close. However, the company has not yet specified which stores will remain open, so it's unknown how many Phoenix sales jobs (Click here) will be affected.

Many stores in the Phoenix area have already closed or are planning to close soon. At the company's peak in 2004, Blockbuster operated about 9,100 stores, but then filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy last year after facing stiff competition from other video companies.